Central Roundup: Borcila boosts boys team's defense

As one of the original coaches in the Westerville Central High School athletics department, Dave Pence has been a longtime supporter of all Warhawks teams.

That's why he always has been a proponent of athletes playing multiple sports in the same season if they have the opportunity.

For junior Jacob Borcila, he's been able to play goalkeeper on Pence's boys soccer team and kick for coach John Magistro's football team.

"I absolutely love it," Pence said. "I encourage it. The kids in high school should be involved with as much as they can be and he's a phenomenal kicker. He may get some offers from colleges. He's really good."

On a soccer team that has relied on its defense, Borcila has been the leader of the unit, according to Pence.

Borcila had seven saves in a 1-all tie against Olentangy Orange on Sept. 19 and seven saves in a 2-1 win over Grove City on Sept. 21.

"Jacob has been unbelievable," Pence said. "He could have had a couple more shutouts this year. He's played phenomenal. He's been so good. We have a solid defense, but he's the backbone of that defense."

Central was 5-1-3 overall and 1-0-1 in the OCC-Buckeye Division before playing Olentangy on Sept. 26.

The Warhawks had managed just 11 goals in their first nine games, but led by Borcila, they had allowed just five with four shutouts.

"I have to keep my (defensive) line in check," Borcila said. "I have to guide them where they need to be, and the offense is starting to come together. We're tough and we're getting these opportunities. It relieves the defense, but our defense has been solid all year, keeping the games close."

With key league games remaining against Olentangy Liberty on Tuesday, Oct. 3, and Westerville South on Oct. 9, the Warhawks control their destiny in the OCC-Buckeye title chase.

Liberty is ranked first in the Division I state poll.

"We still control our own destiny," Pence said. "We let a win slip away from us against Orange (and) gave up a goal with less than three minutes left so they could tie. There's very little room for error when it comes to our league. It's so competitive. Every game could be a win or a loss, so when you have the opportunity to close out a win, you need to close out that win."

"That's how you measure the success, by playing the Libertys, (Dublin) Coffmans and Jeromes," Pence said.

After defeating Westerville North 2-1 on Sept. 12, Central will look to complete a sweep of its rivals when it plays host to South. The Warhawks defeated North 5-0 and South 2-0 last season, and they display the trophy presented for winning the battle of Westerville in the school's trophy case.

Borcila was named first-team all-league a year ago, helping Central win the OCC-Buckeye title at 4-1.

He is in his second season as a kicker on the football team.

"Last year was a little hectic, but I'm in the groove now and I enjoy football and I love soccer so much," Borcila said. "I'm just doing two things I love, so it's awesome. The soccer program and the football program ... work with each other. It's a great bond between the two."

Fry establishescross country record

McKenna Fry established a program record for the girls cross country team in the Saturday Night Lights meet Sept. 23 at Centerville.

Junior Avrey Schumacher, who missed the early part of the season with a severely sprained ankle, had 52 kills.

"It has taken some time for us to get our flow as a team, but (last) week definitely helped our confidence," coach Gerard Iquina said. "We're halfway through conference play and plan to peak come tournament time."

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